Skin Toner - What You Need to Know

 There is some debate as to whether facial toner should be an essential part of every woman's beauty routine. Some women prefer to use cold water, believing it is equally effective for tightening pores. However, many dermatologists believe toners to be extremely beneficial and that they should always be used after cleansing to optimise your skin care regime.

The best time to apply toner is after you have cleansed the skin. Use a cleanser which is suitable for your skin type to keep it in optimum condition. If your cleanser is in the form of a lather or requires rinsing then make sure you pat your face dry with a towel before toning. Pour a little toner on to some cotton wool to dampen it and wipe it over the face. After toning, use some tissue to blot the face until it is nearly dry and then apply your moisturiser.

Toner is beneficial as it tightens the pores. Cold water has the same effect but the results will be very temporary, and there are other advantages you should consider when deciding whether to add toner into your skin care regime. For instance, washing your face can alter your face's natural pH balance, which can take some time to correct itself. Toners are formulated to be pH balanced, so they can restore the correct level of acidity or alkalinity in your skin immediately.

Toners are also useful for ensuring that your skin is properly cleansed. When you apply the toner there should be no residue left on the cotton wool. If there is any dirt left on it then this is an indication that you are not cleansing thoroughly. Toner penetrates more deeply than a cleanser so can remove dirt, dead skin cells and impurities from your pores. After toning your face should feel clean and fresh rather than tight.

As there are there are many different skin types most toners are formulated to meet specific needs. For instance, a toner which is designed for sensitive skin should not contain alcohol, as this can inflame delicate skin and cause it to redden. People with oily skin should also be wary of astringents containing alcohol as stripping too many oils from the skin can over stimulate sebum production.

Many people prefer to use as many natural products as possible in their skin care routine to minimise the likelihood of applying a product containing ingredients that react badly with their skin type. Natural ingredients to look for in toner include witch hazel, nettles, sage oil, yarrow, green tea and chamomile.

Daily use of a toner can make your skin healthier, clearer and cleaner. Using a skin toner can contribute greatly to a glowing complexion.

Leanne also writes about household furniture, such as finding the best TV stand for sale or buying black TV stands.